Essex Vermont Youth Hockey

What is a "Mite?"

This is an age category (6 - 8) for ice hockey players who are generally just beginning to play the game.

What is a "Cross Ice Hockey?"

From USA Hockey:

The USA Hockey Cross-Ice program is based on a model of practicing and playing hockey across the ice surface as compared to practicing and playing lengthwise along the full length of the ice surface. This cross-ice practicing and playing model has been used in many of the leading hockey nations in the world for a number of years and has stood the test of time. It has been shown that children who begin their hockey training in this environment have an outstanding hockey experience.

Parents may ask the question, “why should my child play cross-ice, what will this bring? I want my child playing like the professionals do, full-ice, because I want my child to experience "real hockey." To help address these questions, let's think about a child trying to skate with a puck while performing a drill from one end of the rink to the other, how long will this take? How much energy will this require? Will the player's decision-making skills be enhanced more in the close action of the smaller cross-ice surface or in the wide-open area of the full-ice surface? In which situation will the child be more involved in the action?

A study of hockey games played on the full-ice surface by George Kingston in 1976 found the following:

In a sixty-minute running time hockey game between 6-8 year old children, the average player had possession of the puck for 20.7 seconds. Top National Hockey League and international professional players were also timed and no player exceeded 85 seconds of puck possession time. In a sixty minute children's game the actual playing time of the game was 20 minutes and 38 seconds. Taking this into consideration, the individual player is only on the ice every third or fourth shift depending on how many players are on the team, resulting in even less ice time. An average of less than 0.5 shots per game for youth players and only 1.5 shots per game for junior and professional players.

The study concluded that:

· For young players in the "full-ice game model" of development, the youngest players would require 180 games and the older youth players would require 80 games to enjoy 60 minutes of actual puck possession time to execute their stick handling, passing, pass receiving and shooting skills.

· Professional and international players would require 60 games to ensure 60 minutes of puck control skill development.

Many players never touched the puck in the game, especially in youth hockey. USA Hockey firmly believes that by giving children the opportunity to participate in the Cross-Ice hockey program, which supports cross-ice practicing and playing, that their enjoyment of hockey as well as their hockey skills will be greatly enhanced.

Cross-Ice Program

To help you further understand the benefits of the cross-ice practicing and playing model, some of the advantages are listed below.

PRACTICING

· The children have more energy with which they can improve their skills when they are skating 85 feet across the ice surface as opposed to the 200 feet length of the ice surface.

· Group sizes become smaller which means learning and teaching will become more effective.

· The close feeling of belonging to a team will motivate a child to participate with even greater enthusiasm.

· Drills designed according to the varying skill level of players within the group are easier to organize.

· More puck contact, resulting in improved puck control skills.

· More repetition/frequency in drills in one ice session.

· Decision-making skills are enhanced, as more decisions must be made more frequently at a higher tempo.

ACTUAL GAME

· Playing on a smaller rink results in increased puck possession time for each player.

· Individual technical skills develop more quickly.

· More frequent line changes in the game means more ice time for each player.

· Line changes are made quickly since the players are directly beside the playing surface.

· Each player's activity increases greatly.

· Scoring skills are enhanced since the players have more shooting opportunities.

· The goalkeeper's reading of the game and reaction to changing game situations become more effective.

· More repetition for goalkeepers.

· The game is full of continuously changing situations.

· The speed in playing situations increase, which will require quicker mental and physical reactions by the players.

· Due to increased tempo, all of the team members take part in solving the playing situations, which leads to a sharing of responsibilities between players.

· The feeling of being an important part of the action increases because of the small size of the rink.

· Hockey sense, or understanding the principles of the game, is being developed at a young age.

· There are no unnecessary breaks in the game (i.e. off-sides, icing).

GENERAL ORGANIZATION

· More efficient use of ice time and space.

· The size of the rink is in proportion with the size of the players.

· USA Hockey recommends that teams play with two or three units of four or five players and one goalkeeper, which results in each player having more ice time.

· More ice time for practicing and playing is made available to more teams within a single association.

· Many teams can practice together by sharing the ice surface.

GENERAL SPIRIT OF PARTICIPATION AND FUN

· More children get a chance to play ice hockey.

· More children will experience a feeling of success when playing hockey.

· The same exciting and fun environment as in a "real" game is created.

· More and less gifted children will benefit from close/tight action on the ice.

· Children are excited and motivated to continue playing hockey.

· Hockey will be more appealing and rewarding to a wider range of children and their parents.

What is the goal or focus of youth Mite hockey?

The goal of youth Mite hockey is to provide proper hockey instruction in a safe and fun environment.  The focus of Mite hockey is on teaching the basic skills of hockey, including skating forward and backward, stick handling, passing, puck control, shooting, positioning, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.  It is important that each child feels he or she is an integral part of the team, has equal time on the ice, and has a tremendous amount of fun playing hockey.  No score is kept at Mite level.

What equipment will my child need to play hockey?

Each skater will need a pair of hockey skates, a helmet with a facemask and mouth guard that attaches to the helmet, a hockey stick, shin pads, supporter and cup (boys) or abdomen protector (girls), elbow pads, shoulder pads, hockey pants and hockey gloves.  Practice and/or game sweaters (jerseys) and socks are provided.  Details about the selection of properly-fitted, regulation equipment is available at Sports Central in Essex. Many families borrow or purchase used equipment at first until their son or daughter makes a commitment. The helmet and gloves are the most important protective items. Good quality, properly-sized skates make learning to skate easier.

Is the sport of hockey safe for my child?

Youth hockey is a relatively safe sport, especially at younger ages such as Mite where no checking (intentional collisions or hitting) is allowed although incidental contact does occur. Each skater must wear protective equipment. Coaches, referees and parents make safety a top priority on the ice and in the locker rooms. 

Is the Mite hockey program open to boys and girls?

Yes.  Both boys and girls are encouraged to play.  At the Mite level, the boys and girls play together.  Beyond the Mite program, there are youth teams (Squirt, Peewee or Bantam made up of mostly boys) or girls only teams (Girls 12 and Under (U12) or a Girls 14 and Under (U14) team). 

What will it cost for my child to play hockey?

Please see the fees page on the EYHA web site.

What is the commitment level that will be required for my child to play hockey?

Generally, Mites will skate for two one-hour practices weeknights and 1-2 games on the weekend. It is important that your child attend as many practices and games as possible.

Is there a volunteer time commitment for the parents/guardians?

A commitment is necessary to bring your skater to practices and games throughout the season. Allow an extra 15-30 minutes before practice to help your skater into the equipment and lace up the skates (other parents and coaches will show you how.) As the youth hockey associations are volunteer organizations, parents and guardians are always encouraged to participate.  Participation may take the form of a Board position, coordinating a level of play, team parent, coaching, helping with fundraising efforts, etc.

Who will be coaching my child?

Teams are generally coached by volunteer parent-coaches.  All coaches must undergo a standard background check as required by USA Hockey. Coaches must be certified by attending coaching clinics at the start of each hockey season.  If you are interested in becoming a coach, please talk to a EYHA board member.

What levels of play are available, and how are teams selected?

Cross Ice Mites will be divided evenly.

Where will my child play?

EYHA skaters will practice at a number of ice rinks, including Essex High School, Waterbury, Leddy Park (Burlington), and the University of Vermont.  For games skaters may also travel to rinks in Burlington, South Burlington, St. Albans, Stowe, Plattsburgh, Chazy, Barre, and Middlebury among other associations. 

How will my child get to and from practices and games?

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to transport his or her child to practices and games.  Often times skaters will car pool with other skaters who are on the same team. 

How long is the hockey season?

The season generally runs from early October through early February.

If I am unable to afford the fees for my child to skate, is there financial assistance available?

EYHA has a scholarship program available to skaters who need financial assistance.  Please check with an EYHA board member for details.

Can I come to a practice and check things out?

Yes.  Watching a practice will give you an idea of the skills necessary to play at that level, how the coaches conduct a practice, and generally what youth hockey is all about.  Coaches and parents are always willing to talk with new parents and skaters about the program.  Clinics and team placement are conducted at the beginning of each season. 

How do I register my child to skate?

You can register on the EYHA web site. You will be asked to complete some forms, including a registration form,  a code of conduct form, and a consent to treat form.  You will also be asked to provide medical insurance information, a social security number (not required), and provide a certified copy of your child's birth certificate.   

Who is "in charge" of youth hockey?

The national governing body is USA Hockey. USA Hockey is responsible for all youth hockey, and for selection of the USA National and Olympic teams. USA Hockey’s web site is www.usahockey.com  - you can find information about rules, regulations, officials, and much, much more.

What happens after my child is too old for Mites?

There are youth teams for ages all the way up through high school. Many of these are "travelling" teams which compete in against other local association teams. The time, travel and money commitments will be greater than for Mites, and most teams participate in at least one out-of-town tournament during the season. At some point you either become a "hockey parent" or you decide this commitment is not for you, or your family. The great thing about Mite hockey is that you have a chance to see how everything goes in the youth hockey world with a much smaller time, travel or money commitment.